Phil Neville: ‘Ibrahimovic is the same’ as Eric Cantona for Manchester United

Former Manchester United and Everton left-back Phil Neville believes that striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic is the modern-day Eric Cantona. This is largely because of the Swede’s contribution and influence in United’s EFL Cup win.

Ibrahimovic clinched the Community Shield for United with a late header against Leicester City at Wembley in August. The 35-year-old repeated the same feat against Southampton on Sunday in the EFL Cup final helping the Red Devils to their fifth League Cup trophy.

“Zlatan is the leader. When Cantona walked onto the pitch with his collar up he looked like he loved Old Trafford, he had the aura and confidence. Ibrahimovic is the same,” Neville, who won 14 honors during his 10 year spell with United said to Sky Sports.

“When you’re a manager and join a new club you need one player who sings off your hymn sheet. Ibrahimovic is that player for Mourinho.”

Despite having a two goal lead in the match, thanks to Ibrahimovic’s free-kick opener and Jesse Lingard’s third goal in his third Wembley appearance, United were left gasping for breath by Southampton. Manolo Gabbiadini, who had his opening goal wrongfully disallowed scored two more to level the Saints in the game.

However, Ibrahimovic’s contribution proved vital. The Swede conjured a brilliant counter attack and scored the winner to win the trophy for United.

“United were awful at defending set pieces but Ibrahimovic was there heading clear in the build up to his goal. He wins the first header and makes up a lot of ground to be the first point of the counter attack,” Neville added.

“With Southampton all over the place, he finds himself on the right and then gets himself in the box and produces a trademark finish.”

Southampton manager wants video technology

Claude Puel, Southampton manager has revealed that he would like to see video technology being used in the game. This was after his striker, Manolo Gabbidaini’s goal being disallowed in The Saints’ 3-2 EFL Cup final defeat to Manchester United.

“Gabbiadini’s first was a good goal, it should have stood. He scored three good goals.It’s a lot of disappointment. We deserved better,” Puel said, as reported by BBC.

“I would like the video for the future for this situation, but at the moment we are without video. Sometimes there is a bad decision against us, it is important to accept this.”

Gabbiadini scored twice in the match to bring Southampton level at 2-2. However, if the disallowed goal would have stood, the conclusion to the match may have been different.